The Cleveland Browns have been interested in a Sam Bradford trade this offseason and the team has looked at Marcus Mariota as a potential target in the upcoming NFL draft over pushing Johnny Manziel behind new starter Josh McCown and the team may also look at Brett Hundley and Bryce Petty as prospect options at quarterback.
The Browns finished last season on a five game losing streak and they are hoping to turn things around in 2015. The team is well positioned to have a strong draft with the picks they have and general manager Ray Farmer said they will not shy away from a quarterback. The Browns selected Johnny Manziel last year and signed Josh McCown in the offseason, but they also could look at Mariota, Hundley and Perry as future options for the team.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports that Bradford is a target for the Browns and that the team previously offered a first round pick for him earlier in the offseason. The team sees Bradford as an option even though he was traded to the Eagles. Many have speculated that Chip Kelly could go after Marcus Mariota this offseason and if that happens, he may look at moving Bradford in another deal.
According to Pro Football Talk, the interest in moving up for Mariota is "serious" from the Browns and they are in good position to make a trade with the Titans into the top five. The team made a deal with the Buffalo Bills last year and now the Browns have two first round picks. The team also has the most selections in the draft this year of anyone in the league and that also could play into what they do in the first round.
The Browns signed McCown over bringing back Brian Hoyer and as things stand now, he will be the starter for the team in 2015. Manziel went into rehab following his rocky rookie season and now that he is out, he has the chance to prove himself to the team once again. Manziel likely will be the backup no matter what happens this offseason and if Mariota comes in, he could compete with McCown for the starting job.
There is a chance the Browns could go for another quarterback in the draft, as the class is fairly deep this season with names like Brett Hundley and Bryce Petty. Jeremy Fowler at ESPN.com wrote earlier in the offseason that Mike Glennon could be a potential target for the Browns if the Buccaneers plan to take Jameis Winston number one overall. The team "sniffed around" on Glennon and ESPN.com reports that the Buccaneers are open to trading Glennon for a mid-round pick.
Some late reports have Mariota a true option for the Buccaneers, with Yahoo Sports writing that Winston to Tampa is not a sure thing yet. Most draft experts see Mariota as the second best quarterback behind Mariota and Winston's off the field issues could be what helps the Buccaneers make a final decision. What the Buccaneers do at number one may dictate how the Browns try and trade up for a QB.